In addition to participating in various health screenings and receiving valuable information on health and wellness at the April 26, 2014 health fair sponsored by Ashtabula County Medical Center and State Representative John Patterson, residents of Ashtabula County will also have an opportunity to safely and legally dispose of unused or expired prescription medications.
The health fair is being held in the Kent State University Ashtabula gymnasium from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The prescription drop off location is the circular driveway at the east end entrance of Main Hall.
The four-hour program is part of a nationwide effort to safely dispose of prescription drugs. Since the program began six years ago, Americans have turned in more than two million pounds of prescription drugs.
ACMC participated in the drug take back day in 2013 and collected more than 160 pounds of prescription medication, which included everything from out-of-date vitamins to prescription narcotics. Removing prescription medication from circulation reduces the risk of drug abuse by adults and teenagers – a growing problem in Ashtabula County.
It also reduces the risk accidental poisoning.
Across Ohio 96% of unintentional poisoning deaths are from drugs and prescription medications. More people in the state die from unintentional medication poisoning than from motor-vehicle crashes and suicide.
The safe disposal of prescription also helps the environment.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) guidelines, no sewage treatment facility is designed to effectively remove pharmaceuticals that are flushed or washed down the drain. These drugs make their way into local rivers and lakes, and eventually into our water supply.
The prescription drug disposal day is supported by local law enforcement agencies as well as the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration and the Ohio EPA. Officers with the Ashtabula City Police are assisting again this year.
Only residential medications will be accepted, and items for disposal cannot be accepted after 2 p.m. Participants are encouraged to remove the label or black out the text on the container to protect their private health information.
The health fair will also take place from 10 am to 2 pm. Free screenings include blood pressure, blood sugar, bone density, body mass index, and grip strength. There will also be assessments for stroke, addiction and sleep apnea, as well as information on cancer care, early heart attack, and home health services. Ashtabula County Community Action Agency will be on-site with information about the services it provides including utility assistance, WIC, head start and 2-1-1.
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